Withered Rose √

I peered at the portrait I have drawn years ago. It was the incident that was etched at the back of my mind. I was 10-year-old when I had to witness my elder cousin getting molested. I tried helping her, screamed at him to leave her not knowing what he was doing exactly. He didn't, instead held me captive. I still remember my cousin crying out for help and I couldn't do anything. I still remember how I had to give a witness statement against devil standing in the court. My cousin got justice as soon as I escaped somehow and started screaming at the people in the party hall. I got the help and we were able to catch the so-called-fiancee red-handed. I used to paint the event as it keeps moving in front of my eyes. And that's when I had to go to psychiatric. I had to undergo therapies. And now, the event no more disturbs me, no more gives a nightmare. But, it left a great impact on my mind, my heart and my soul. If he had respect towards woman, would he have done that heinous act? I'm insecure about a relationship with a guy. I have never seen a man respect woman in my whole life, exceptional is there. I just saw judging women, if they wear saree, they are virgin. If they don't, they aren't. That doesn't mean, the world has no more gentleman. I discarded the painting to a corner, pushing the memory at the back of my mind.

*

"Adina," I heard my mother call out for me. I'm busy making a new painting of a pregnant woman. Yeah! I'm an Artist. My hobby became my career. If not in my Atelier, I'll be busy in my room, with the paintings. The number of ideas I get; a brush, canvas and paints are enough to get the inklings out of my head. Putting them aside, I went outside.

I know why does she call me nowadays. She is hell-bent on marrying me off. After all, I'm 25-year-old. And I don't want to get married; for now, or ever, I don't know. I do believe in the Institution of marriage. But, it's just that I don't believe in getting a gentleman for myself. I'm just too insecure about finding a guy who can treat a woman well. I'm sure in the world I am living in, there are only a few. I don't know if I can find such a guy in my life ever. My mother is hell-bent on showcasing the photos of guys. I'm tired of this. This generation-marriage is not for me. I'm insecure about it.

I want a guy who respects a woman irrespective of her status. I am more than not-sure if I'll find that man, ever. Even if I find such a man, will he be able to withstand the promise?

"There is a reason behind every action of a person. We don't know what must be the reason behind it. If we don't know the reason, we don't have the right to disrespect them, a man or a woman, shouldn't matter." I don't know if I will ever get someone; someone who doesn't judge the action. If I will, I would definitely marry that man. A PROMISE and a ROSE are enough from such a gentleman.

I went towards my mother as she sat on the sofa looking at the photos. I was right, after all.

"Adina, you came? Come and look at these photos," she instructed me when she noticed me.